scholarly journals Pain and physical activity levels among Rheumatoid Arthritis patients between the ages of 18 to 50 years in South Africa

2022 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Wilkinson ◽  
Lynn Smith ◽  
Simone Ferreira
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Stair Climbing ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Pain Outcomes ◽  
Social Media Platforms

Background: Little epidemiological research on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been done in Africa, suggesting that it is an uncommon illness. In rural South Africa, RA has an overall prevalence of 0.07% and a prevalence of 2.5% in urban areas; therefore, it is not as uncommon as perceived by the lack of research. Patient-centred programmes to improve physical function have been lacking and, as a result, the prior assumption was that physical activity should be avoided. Objectives: To determine pain and physical activity levels among RA patients between the ages of 18 to 50 years in South Africa. Methods: A combination of two questionnaires were used, namely, the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (2002) and the Pain Outcomes Questionnaire (2003). The collated questionnaires were distributed by rheumatologists and on social media platforms to RA patients between the ages of 18 to 50 years old living in South Africa. This study had a sample size of 105 participants, with participation occurring through the online Google forms platform. Results: One hundred and five participants with RA were recruited with an average age of 38±9 years. Most of the participants were females (93.3%). Seventy-two percent of the sample was classified as physically active, where work, leisure and travel activities were considered. No significant correlation between pain and physical activity was evident (r=0.10; p=0.311). Results showed significant correlations between pain and personal grooming (r=0.30; p=0.002), pain and ambulation (r=0.60; p=0.000), and pain and stair climbing (r=0.60; p=0.000). Conclusion: Physical activity has proven to have multiple benefits for those suffering with RA. In this South African sample of RA patients, the majority were classified as physically active, and pain did not affect the activity levels of the involved participants. This study opens further research questions regarding RA prevalence in South Africa, and the type and intensity of physical activity that would be beneficial for RA.

Social inequality in lifestyle, motivation to change lifestyle and received health advice in individuals with diabetes: A nationwide study

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 847-854
Author(s):  
Marie B. Andersen ◽  
Anne-Sofie D. Bjørkman ◽  
Maria Pedersen ◽  
Ola Ekholm ◽  
Stig Molsted
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Socioeconomic Position ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
National Health Survey ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Motivation To Change ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Health Advice ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

Aims: The aim was to investigate the association between socioeconomic position (SEP) and physical activity, alcohol consumption and smoking, motivation to change lifestyle and health advices from general practitioners (GPs) in individuals with diabetes. Methods: Data were provided by the Danish National Health Survey 2013 and 7504 adults (⩾ 40 years) with diabetes were included. Educational level was used as SEP indicator and categorized into low, middle and high SEP. Dependent variables included physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking, motivation to change lifestyle and GP lifestyle advices. Multiple logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, body mass index and ethnic background were performed. Results: Higher SEP were associated with reduced odds of being physically inactive (middle SEP odds ratio (OR) men 0.58 (95% confidence intervals 0.47–0.72) and women 0.59 (0.47–0.75)) and non-smoking (middle SEP OR men 0.74 (0.59–0.93) and high SEP OR women 0.54 (0.38–0.77)) compared to participants with a low SEP. Alcohol consumption above the recommended maximum was associated with high SEP in men, OR 1.83 (1.30–2.61). Elevated SEP was associated with a motivation to increase physical activity levels (middle SEP OR men 1.45 (1.19–1.76) and women 1.35 (1.09–1.67)), high SEP was associated with none advice from GPs regarding smoking cessation among women, OR 0.47 (0.25–0.89). Conclusions: Socioeconomic position was strongly associated with lifestyle in individuals with diabetes. The most pronounced inequalities were found in physical activity levels, smoking status and the motivation to become more physically active. Municipalities and GPs may need a greater focus on SEP in interventions to change lifestyle in individuals with diabetes.

Physical Activity in Preschool Children With the Transition to Outdoors

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Russell R. Pate ◽  
Marsha Dowda ◽  
William H. Brown ◽  
Jonathan Mitchell ◽  
Cheryl Addy
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Outdoor Play ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Minute Period ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Trained Observers ◽  
Children’S Physical Activity ◽  
Observation Period

Background:It is known that children are more physically active outdoors than indoors. However, few previous studies have observed the time course for physical activity as young children transition from indoor to outdoor activities.Methods:Participants were 3- to 5-year-old children enrolled in the Children’s Activity and Movement in Preschool Study (CHAMPS). Trained observers used the Observational System for Recording Physical Activity in Children-Preschool Version (OSRAC-P) to record children’s physical activity levels over 20 minutes in outdoor settings. The 20-minute outdoor observational period began immediately following the transition from indoors to outdoors.Results:Children’s activity levels were moderately high at the time of transition and declined over the 20-minute observation period. Different patterns, however, were observed for boys and girls. Overall, boys were more active than girls. Boys’ activity levels declined in a linear fashion over the 20-minute period, while girls’ activity levels increased slightly, decreased, and then increased slightly again.Conclusions:These data indicate that physical activity levels decline with increased duration of outdoor play. The frequency and duration of outdoor play should be investigated for the purpose of optimizing physical activity levels.

scholarly journals Physical Activity Status in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease: Results From the Cross-Sectional EUROASPIRE Surveys

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 1378-1384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Delphine De Smedt ◽  
Els Clays ◽  
Christof Prugger ◽  
Johan De Sutter ◽  
Zlatko Fras ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Risk Profile ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
The Cross

Background:The study aim was to assess the physical activity levels as well as the intention to become physically active in patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD) with a special focus on the association with their risk profile.Methods:Analyses are based on the cross-sectional EUROASPIRE IV surveys. Information was available on 8966 patients in EUROASPIRE III and on 7998 patients in EUROASPIRE IV. Physical activity level according to patients risk profile and their medical management was assessed, the intention to become physically active was investigated and a time trend analysis was performed.Results:A better cardiovascular risk profile as well as receiving physical activity advice or weight loss advice was associated with better physical activity levels. The physical activity status improved significantly over time, the proportion of patients reporting vigorous physical activity for at least 20 minutes ≥ 3 times/week increased from 14.1% to 20.2% (P < .001). Similarly, a significantly greater proportion of patients are in the maintenance stage (36.6% vs. 27.4%) and a smaller proportion in the precontemplation stage (43.2% vs. 52.3%).Conclusion:Although an increase was seen in the proportion of patients being adequately physical active, physical activity levels remain suboptimal in many CHD patients.

scholarly journals Physical Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 1036-1048 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Tierney ◽  
Alexander Fraser ◽  
Norelee Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Current Evidence Base ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Methodological Considerations

Background:Physical activity is associated with improved health outcomes in many populations. It is assumed that physical activity levels in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) population may be reduced as a result of symptoms of the disease. The objective of this review is to establish the current evidence base for levels of physical activity in the RA population.Methods:A systematic review was performed of 7 databases (Ema-base, MEDLINE, AMED, Biomedical Reference Collection Expanded, CINAHL, Nursing and Allied Health Collection, and SportsDiscus) up to February 2011 to examine the evidence in the area.Results:One hundred and thirty-six studies were identified through electronic searching. One hundred and six were excluded based on title and/or abstract analysis and a further 14 were excluded based on full text analysis. Sixteen studies meeting the criteria were deemed suitable for inclusion. The results of the included studies indicate that the level of physical activity may be lower among individuals with RA when compared with healthy controls or normative data.Conclusions:There are a number of methodological considerations at play within the studies reviewed which prohibits definitive conclusion on the physical activity levels of this population group. Given the known health benefits of physical activity, further research in this area appears indicated.

scholarly journals Factors Influencing Food Choices in Different Sports: Importance of Sustainability, Performance and Health: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cosima Nuszbaum ◽  
Mari Wollmar ◽  
Agneta Sjöberg
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Outdoor Sports ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

Abstract Background: This study investigates food preferences among individuals active in different sports. Since food intake affects the carbon footprint, it is of interest to investigate influencing factors of food choices regarding sustainability. Physically active individuals are in need for high intakes of energy and protein in order to maintain their performance. Little is known about what influence food choices in this population. Method: A survey of a sample of 367 individuals was conducted in German and Swedish gyms, climbing halls and CrossFit boxes. Therefore, a questionnaire was developed to capture information about factors influencing food choice and consumed protein sources. Kruskal-Wallis-test tested significant differences between sport groups and physical activity levels.Results: The most frequently consumed animal-based protein were dairy-products, and the most frequently used plant-based source were grains. Taste and health were the main influences on food choices. Significant differences were observed between sport groups and physical activity levels. Sustainability was ranked as moderately important, with the highest importance in people active in the outdoor sports running and climbing. Participants with high physical activity levels and active in CrossFit rated performance more important than the rest of the sample and consumed protein supplements, eggs and poultry more frequently. Conclusion: Differences in food choices between various sports and physical activity levels were identified. Understanding the underlying influences on food choices might help to motivate a shift towards a more sustainable diet in athletes.

scholarly journals Factors Influencing Food Choices In Different Sports: Importance of Sustainability, Performance And Health: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cosima Nuszbaum ◽  
Mari Wollmar ◽  
Agneta Sjöberg
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Outdoor Sports ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

Abstract Background: This study investigates food preferences among individuals active in different sports. Since food intake affects the carbon footprint, it is of interest to investigate influencing factors of food choices regarding sustainability. Physically active individuals are in need for high intakes of energy and protein in order to maintain their performance. Little is known about what influence food choices in this population. Method: A survey of a sample of 367 individuals was conducted in German and Swedish gyms, climbing halls and CrossFit boxes. Therefore, a questionnaire was developed to capture information about factors influencing food choice and consumed protein sources. Kruskal-Wallis-test tested significant differences between sport groups and physical activity levels.Results: The most frequently consumed animal-based protein were dairy-products, and the most frequently used plant-based source were grains. Taste and health were the main influences on food choices. Significant differences were observed between sport groups and physical activity levels. Sustainability was ranked as moderately important, with the highest importance in people active in the outdoor sports running and climbing. Participants with high physical activity levels and active in CrossFit rated performance more important than the rest of the sample and consumed protein supplements, eggs and poultry more frequently. Conclusion: Differences in food choices between various sports and physical activity levels were identified. Understanding the underlying influences on food choices might help to motivate a shift towards a more sustainable diet in athletes.

Physical activity in patients with coronary heart disease: results from the EUROASPIRE V Survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Z Fras ◽  
P Jankowski ◽  
B Jug ◽  
D Gaita ◽  
D.A Wood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Lifestyle Change ◽  
Risk Profile ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Index Event ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

Abstract Background Physical inactivity is common in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and associated with an unfavorable prognosis. The study aim was to assess the physical activity levels as well as the intention to become physically active in patients with stable CHD with an additional focus on the association with their risk profile. Methods Analyses are based on the cross-sectional EUROASPIRE V survey, conducted under the auspices of the ESC EURObservational Research Project in 2016–2017. The survey encompassed 8,261 CHD patients, included in 27 countries, with a mean age of 62.4 years (±9.6, range 18 - 80 years), 25.8% of them were female. Physical activity level according to the overall patients' risk profile and their medical management was assessed, and the intention to become physically active in order to reduce their risk for recurrent events was investigated. Results The physical activity status found in CHD patients included was far from satisfactory in general, since only 34.4% of those interviewed were regularly physically active (for more than 30 minutes duration on average 5 times a week). Nearly half (47.3%) of the patients reported they are performing more everyday physical activity in general after the index event; while only every fifth patient (21.4%) reported to follow the specific exercise advice from a health or exercise professional, every tenth (11.3%) attending the fitness club or leisure centre, and only 6.1% joining the community walking groups. Regular exercise to increase physical fitness (defined as planned physical activity performed 3–5 times per week for 20–60 minutes) was confirmed by 34.8%, while interestingly 40.4% of patients declared regular physical activity as part of the self-reported lifestyle change in order to lose their body weight. A better cardiovascular risk profile as well as receiving physical activity advice or weight loss advice was associated with better physical activity levels. Conclusions Although an increase in the proportion of patients being adequately physical active after their index event, physical activity levels remain suboptimal in many CHD patients. There is an obvious need for improvement, with regards to both finding more effective ways of advice and encouraging our patients to increase the amount of their everyday exercise, as well regularly to monitor their lifestyle change. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): The survey was supported through research grants to the European Society of Cardiology from Amgen, Eli Lilly, Sanofi (Gold Sponsors), Pfizer (Silver Sponsor), and Ferrer and Novo Nordisk (Bronze Sponsors).

scholarly journals Environmental and Motivational Determinants of Physical Activity among Canadian Inuit in the Arctic

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (13) ◽  
pp. 2437
Author(s):  
Victor O. Akande ◽  
Robert A.C. Ruiter ◽  
Stef P.J. Kremers
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Gender Effects ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Mediation Effects ◽  
Environmental Correlates ◽  
Motivational Regulation ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Steps Per Day

Background: Canadian Inuit have transited from a physically active hunter-gatherer subsistence lifestyle into sedentary ways of life. The purpose of the current study was to measure physical activity levels among Nunavut Inuit adults, and explore the socio-cognitive and environmental factors influencing the number of steps taken per day. Method: Inuit and non-Inuit adults (N = 272) in Nunavut participated in a seven-day pedometer study during summer and winter seasons. Participants were asked to complete the Neighbourhood Environmental Walkability Scale (NEWS) and Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3). Data analyses included descriptive statistics, hierarchical linear regression, and tests of mediation effects. Results: Participants had limited to low activity at a rate of 5027 ± 1799 and 4186 ± 1446 steps per day, during summer and winter, respectively. There were no seasonal and age effects on the number of steps. Gender effects and community differences were observed. Perceived infrastructure and safety as well as land use mix diversity were found to be positive environmental correlates of steps taken, which were partially mediated by identified motivational regulation. Conclusion: Physical activity levels among Nunavut adults are generally low, but can be promoted by improving the external physical environment and internal motivational regulation.

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